Dealing with psoriasis can be extremely difficult and frustrating since your skin is likely hypersensitive to a wide variety of ingredients/chemicals. Certain nourishing botanicals as described in Ayurveda are generally regarded as safe to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. Skin Detoxification is the key to calm angry psoriatic flares. Discover the best Ayurvedic skin care topical solutions according to ‘Panchkarma’, that can help alleviate the symptoms of Psoriasis.
1. Neem
High quality, organic Neem oil or neem leaf extract is very helpful in reducing psoriatic flares. Being alkaline in nature and consisting of ‘nimbidin’, Neem oil exhibits powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and pH balancing properties. The high amount of Vitamin E, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids in Neem oil makes it an excellent moisturizer, which in turn reduces the thickness of psoriatic skin scaling. It also helps in purifying the blood and detoxifying the skin, which is essential in balancing the vata-kapha imbalance in psoriasis.
2. Chamomile
Since Ayurvedic treatment of Psoriasis is dependent on balancing your mind and body. The amazing fragrance of Chamomile relieves stress, relaxes your mind and gradually abates pain from psoriasis flares. Chamomile has been widely used since the time of the ancient Romans to treat skin conditions such as sunburn, Eczema, Rosacea, boils, Psoriasis and various other skin related issues.
3. Aloe Vera
The gel inside Aloe Vera helps in alleviating the itching and skin redness symptoms associated with psoriasis. Compounds like ‘Glucomannan’ and plant-hormones like ‘Gibberellin’ in Aloe Vera speeds up the healing process of psoriasis flare-ups. ‘Magnesium lactate’ and other anti-inflammatory components brings the itching sensation of psoriasis under control. It also protects your sensitive skin from sun damage and loss of hydration.
4. Lavender
The alluring fragrance of Lavender not only calms your senses, but it also helps in healing your skin. Lavender essential oil can treat moderate to severe psoriatic lesions and improve its symptoms. Lavender contains anti-cortisol factors (responsible for stress and anxiety) that aids in detoxifying and improving your skin quality.
5. Apricot Oil
Apricot oil has been used in Chinese Medicine for centuries to heal and treat skin diseases. Massaging Apricot Oil based skin serums or moisturizers regularly into psoriatic plaques can really help control the condition. Apricot oil consists of a pro-apoptotic factor that allows self-destruction of skin cells that produces keratin. Limiting excessive keratin production gradually decreases the scaling of skin, which is a prominent symptom of psoriasis.
6. Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil has been used in Ayurvedic skin care for multiple purposes. According to a recent study, Indian Sandalwood oil consists of anti-inflammatory factors that can heal psoriatic patches and also help in restoring the normal structure of the skin epidermis. Being a sleep inducer, it also plays a key role in the ‘Panchakarma’ ayurvedic treatment process for psoriasis and, thus together helps heal your skin more quickly.
7. Gotu Kola
One of the most popular ingredients in Ayurvedic Skin Care, Gotu Kola is an excellent ingredient to treat conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis. ‘Triterpenoids’ (natural steroid like compounds) in Gotu Kola boosts the antioxidant power and increases the blood supply in the wounded area. It helps promote the integrity of the collagen matrix that aids in formation of rejuvenated, healthy skin.
If you’re trying to find an Ayurvedic alternative to treat psoriasis, be sure to do a ‘patch test’ before you start using any new product on your sensitive skin. Natural skin care products for psoriasis treatment when used at the right time can clear up the psoriatic red patches, reduce scaly thickening of skin, alleviate pruritis and restore a healthy looking skin.
